Far-right leader fails in High Court bid

Blair Cottrell speaks to media outside the County Court of Victoria in Melbourne after his court appearance. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AAPSource:AAP

Far-right activist Blair Cottrell has been knocked back in his bid to fight for “free speech” in the High Court but will continue his campaign in Victoria’s County Court.

The leader of the United Patriots Front appeared in the County Court on Tuesday to appeal his conviction for inciting hatred, contempt and ridicule of Muslims after making a video beheading a dummy in protest of a Bendigo mosque.

Cottrell and supporters Neil Erikson and Christopher Neil Shortis were convicted in September 2017 and fined $2000 each.

Lawyer John Bolton had lodged an application with the High Court, arguing Cottrell had been charged with an “invalid law” under the Australian Constitution.

Blair Cottrell has had a bid to have his ‘free speech’ case heard in the High Court. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AAPSource:AAP